Basement Remodel

Maple Grove, MN

Who lives here

Brian, Rachel, and their three children.

Obstacles and Opportunities

Because finding the right floor plan and finishes was more important than rushing to complete theirproject, New Spaces design-focused process was the perfect fit for these homeowners. Creating a complete plan with a New Spaces designer ensured they could make fully-informed decisions with confidence about their new space.

New Spaces worked with us to find the perfect design and choose the best finishes for us.

Lower level entertainment hall

After living with an unfinished basement for 6 years, Rachel and Brian decided they were ready to create their ideal basement for entertaining. Because finding the right floor plan and finishes was more important than rushing to complete their project, New Spaces design-focused process was the perfect fit for these homeowners. Creating a complete plan with a New Spaces designer ensured they could make fully-informed decisions with confidence about their new space.

This design sparingly places a few contemporary and rustic elements into a mostly traditional basement. The dark brown tones and hanging barn door speak to a country point of view. While the floating shelves, stainless steel lighting over the pool table, and LED lighting at the bar have a more modern feel.

Interestingly, the wood-look wall tiles used in the entertainment center and the bar embody both the promise of future technology and the charm of natural materials. Created from porcelain using high-resolution imaging technology, these wide-format plank tiles showcase texture of natural wood in modernist rectangular proportions. More than an unexpected design twist, the story of this material adds to the overall character of this timeless rec-room.

Combine contrasting detail to avoid a style cliché

The dark brown entertainment center, baseboard, trim, outlet covers, and sofa are balanced by the light beige wall color. Because the ceilings of this (and most basements) are just a little more than 8′ high, it was important to create a design that would amplify the sense of overhead space. The high contrast between dark brown and light beige, vertical wood-look tile, columnar cabinet and shelves, and recessed lighting work together to make basement ceilings seem higher.

Due to their out-of-the-ordinary functionality and charm, hanging barn doors are growing in popularity

Many homeowners are looking for creative ways to incorporate flexible space into their renovations. In this design, space-saving sliding barn doors open to reveal more space that can be used for a bigger party or can be converted into a temporary guest room. This smart solution maximizes floor space by eliminating tables or other bulky furniture. Around the perimeter of the room, small shelves have been strategically placed for guests to set down their drinks and snacks.

Ready to entertain with a sit-down basement bar

Like the entertainment center, this lower level wet bar has been designed to create a feeling of spaciousness overhead. Floating shelves display interesting bottles and draw the eye up the wall. The glassware cabinet is painted to match the wall, camouflaging its otherwise heavy visual form. The smooth white bar reflects light to energize the space. In general, recessed lighting will create the most vertical space, but it’s possible to keep pendant lights on a short leash, thus preventing any feeling of claustrophobia.